How to Prepare for a Behavioral Sales Role Interview
Arts EntertainmentsThey say that first impressions are everything.
When applying for a job, it’s crucial to have a resume that stands out. This will be the first impression a company gets of you as a potential employee.
Not to put any pressure on you, but if you make it to interviews, you should now make a big impression in your behavioral interview. Don’t worry because it’s easier than it seems.
Below is a guide on how to prepare for a behavioral interview. Keep reading and we will help you get the job.
What is a behavioral interview?
Chances are you’ve been part of a behavioral interview and didn’t even realize it. It is an interview that asks how you have responded in the past to certain situations to assess whether you are a good fit for the future of the company.
In the sales behavior interview, the employer will ask questions to assess whether or not you have quick problem-solving skills and effective communication tactics. They want to quickly pick top-tier hires that drive sales.
know your stuff
Typical interview questions for an experienced sales position will focus on your previous sales experience. It’s important to highlight your strengths, and it wouldn’t hurt to do some refreshing educational things that you’ve been taught.
The interviewer will most likely ask you about your experience with different sales strategies, different software you’ve used, and management processes. They are looking to pre-qualify candidates to create a short list of final people.
When answering their questions, be sure to answer carefully. They will be able to tell if you are throwing empty words to fill the silence. It’s okay to collect your thoughts for a moment before responding.
If you feel like you’re a little rusty with software programs and control systems, find a video tutorial or take an online course. Even learning some familiar sales vocabulary will help you in the interview.
practice your answers
Practicing your responses to common sales behavior interview questions will prepare you.
Be prepared to answer questions about your organizational skills and what a typical day in sales has been like for you. You’ll also want to know how much time you typically spend working with a client.
Make a mental note of how you prioritize your tasks and clients within a busy week and what you do if one of your clients is being exceptionally difficult. You may even be asked how you have handled a difficult supervisor in the past.
Remember how you talk about difficult people says a lot about your character. Never speak too negatively or disrespectfully about someone. Focus on how you handled the situation, not what they did.
Other questions you receive may focus on what you did when a client left you, a presentation you gave to a client, and goals you’ve set for yourself in the past.
Know the Company
Always do your research on the company you are interviewing with. When many of us are hard-pressed to find another job, we may find ourselves applying to multiple companies without doing any in-depth research.
Once you receive notification that you’ve received an interview slot, sit down to do some research. Understand the company and its mission. Make sure your values align with theirs.
Feel free to check out reviews from previous customers. Get excited about their customer service and strong team. Show this enthusiasm in your interview.
If something about the company doesn’t sit well with you, reconsider interviewing with them. You will only prosper as a salesperson in a company you trust.
Structure your answers
When you give your answer, there is a basic way to structure it. This structure is to help you provide a clear, concise, and helpful answer.
You will first want to give context about the specific situation the employer inquired about. Set the stage for your interviewers. Provide the necessary details without going too long.
Then dive into the specific goal you needed to achieve in order to properly address the situation. Needed to find a way to make a difficult customer happy? Were you trying to finish a project under a tight deadline?
After tackling the task at hand, talk about the steps you took to reach your goal. Use talk about action steps to start talking about the result you saw.
Don’t let abstract questions discourage you
You may be asked some questions that seem abstract and strange. Don’t let these questions put you off because they are being asked for a reason.
Employers may ask you what kind of tree you would like to be if you could be. They may also ask you what you think about certain fun things from pop culture or celebrities.
These funny questions can simply be to make you feel more comfortable, or the company can appraise employees with humor and quick wit. Even though you’re in a formal interview, don’t be afraid to show your true personality.
take a deep breath
We know you want to promote yourself as one of the best sales candidates for the team. It is important that you prepare, but it is also just as important that you relax.
Being overly stressed and anxious can cause burnout. It’s normal to be a little nervous, but also take care of yourself. Stay cool under pressure.
Before the big day, make sure you get enough sleep and eat a good breakfast. Keep an eye on your basic human needs to ensure you’re ready to go!
Get ready for the big day
It’s time to start preparing for your behavioral interview. Show your future employer that you have what it takes to be one of the best members of their sales team.
Be sure to take some refresher courses on important information and rehearse your answers to common questions. Know how to structure your responses and don’t let anything take your temper out of your stride.
Put all this into practice and good luck with your next interview.